Spending on blockchain solutions in the MEA region is set to grow from $38.9 million spent in 2017 to $80.8 million by the close of 2018, said the organisers of the inaugural Future Blockchain Summit opening in Dubai, UAE today (May 2).

Spending on blockchain solutions in the Middle East and Africa region is predicted to grow from $38.9 million spent in 2017 to $80.8 million by the close of 2018, said the organisers of the inaugural Future Blockchain Summit opening in Dubai, UAE today (May 2), citing an IDC report.

Hosted by Smart Dubai and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the summit will take place on May 2 and 3 at DWTC.

The event is set to welcome over 5,000 captains of industry and visionary technologists, as well as over 100 exhibitors, half of which are path-breaking local and international startups. The event will host over 100 top blockchain experts from around the world to share their in-depth knowledge on this disruptive technology.
Future Blockchain Summit aims to demystify blockchain and unlock multi-billion dollar opportunities for the global blockchain industry, which is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2024.

Future Blockchain Summit will see multiple world firsts – over 50 percent of the event’s line-up of visionary speakers and influencers will be making their regional debuts; the largest Global Blockchain Startups Marketplace will bring together the world’s most innovative blockchain entrepreneurs; key MoUs will be signed by UAE government departments; and 17 game-changing blockchain project founders will reveal how their solutions are revolutionising industries like energy, transport, tourism, healthcare and real estate with blockchain technology.

Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, director general of Smart Dubai said: “We look forward to welcoming the world at Dubai’s inaugural Future Blockchain Summit. With the industry growing at a rapid pace, we need to bring all key stakeholders in blockchain together on one platform to collaborate, learn and build meaningful relationships, and the Summit will act as our flagship event to facilitate connections and conversations.

“The conference and workshops, coupled with the experiential exhibition, feature-rich deep dive sessions and high-level industry discussions, position the event as the world’s gateway to the global knowledge hub for blockchain technology. At the Summit, we aim to inspire innovation and spur blockchain application not only in the UAE, but across the world.”

Over 60 exceptional startups from around the world will showcase their solutions, develop partnerships, attract investments and disrupt industries at the Global Blockchain Startup Marketplace. Alongside home-grown technology entrepreneurs, startup founders from countries such as Estonia, Serbia, Singapore, China, India, UK, USA and Australia, will demonstrate solutions that have made a difference across sectors.

The Future Blockchain Summit will feature a never-before-seen experiential exhibition with over 100 exhibitors showcasing breakthrough blockchain applications that have had impact across industries; and free-to-attend Blockchain 101 workshops led by global experts from Consensys, one of the fastest-growing blockchain companies in the world.

The Future Blockchain Summit will feature the world’s first Global Leaders Exchange programme, in partnership with global consultancy, PwC. Closed-door invite-only sessions convening senior government blockchain champions and C-level industry enablers will result in a white paper that provides guidelines for global blockchain adoption.

The Summit also features the Grand Finale and Award Presentation of the Smart Dubai Blockchain Challenge, one of the leading global blockchain startup challenges, on May 3. This challenge has seen blockchain startups from across85 cities vie for a chance to meet government leaders, world investors, network with VIPs and connect with potential customers. Three winners will be chosen to receive first, second, and third place money prizes of $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000.

“It will welcome government officials and industry practitioners, delegates and attendees from over 100 countries, showcasing Dubai’s undisputed leadership in blockchain adoption. The Summit is propitious following the recent announcement of the UAE Blockchain Strategy 2021 and is the first and largest gathering of global blockchain experts in Dubai.

“There is tremendous excitement and anticipation from local and global blockchain proponents. Along with our official host, Smart Dubai, we are excited to open doors to this highly-anticipated event tomorrow and host the world’s most premier blockchain event. We thank our partners and sponsors for the phenomenal response in our inaugural edition,” she added.

About Marc Mcilhone

Marc Mcilhone is ArabBrains' Editor - sourcing news and features content and overseeing the work of the site’s contributors. Marc’s work is informed by his technical background in architecture having worked for some of the UK’s leading practices on projects within the education, healthcare and housing sectors. Marc has a particular interest in how innovators are creating sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on people’s everyday lives.
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